Under statutory rape laws, a person who has sex with a person under a certain age known as the age of consent risks criminal charges and a jail or prison sentence, even if the younger person is a willing partner and neither partner is an adult.

Is it illegal for a minor to date someone over 18?

It is illegal to have sexual contact, which can include touching or caressing, with a minor. There is an exception which generally allows parties who are both still in high school, AND the age difference between them is less than 1 year (365

Is dating a minor a crime?

“If this measure is passed into law, any adult who has sexual intercourse with a minor below 16 years old is guilty of rape. Even if the minor has given his or her consent to the sexual act, it is still rape,” Romualdez said in a statement. “The sexual orientation of the offender is of no importance.

How long do you go to jail for underage dating?

You could face up to four years in state prison and $10,000 in fines if you are older than 21 and the alleged victim is under the age of 16. Additionally, you could face lifetime registration as a sex offender pursuant to California Penal Code Section 290 if you are convicted of this crime.